EZProxy Scenario

[TRISTA NELSON]

Michael,
In Scenario 1 when an off-campus user clicks the links for databases without EZ-Proxy, they get an error and are not able to access the database unless they go to the "Off-site database access" webpage....
 
The main difference that I see with using the web portal instead of EZ-Prozy is that if an off campus user goes to the library website finds a database they want to use they won't be able to unless they go back to the main college webpage and sign on to the web portal and then access the library webpage through the intranet.  It seems like a lot of hassle and the users won't tolerate, but I wanted some second opinions from people who aren't as biased as myself.
 
Thanks for all your responses,
Trista Nelson

>>> "Cabus, Michael" <CabusM at PHILAU.EDU> 1/15/2014 11:44 AM >>>
Hi
  It seems your web technician has something against EZ-Proxy

If I am understanding scenario 1 correctly, having links to databases without EZ-Proxy allows those outside to access university resources..which may be in violation of contracts...

For me, the importance of EZ-Proxy is: protecting use of resources from those off-campus who should not have access, yet provide access to those who should have access; and providing a better user experience for those on campus (signing on takes time, especially if you have already signed on to a lab computer and have to sign on again).

I don't see a difference between the web portal and EZ-Proxy, though, honestly, it does not seem like a good use of the web technician's time...EZ-Proxy does the same thing.

Michael Cabus
Systems Librarian, Paul J. Gutman Library
Philadelphia University




________________________________
From: Web technologies in libraries [WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU] on behalf of TRISTA NELSON [TNELSON at GLENOAKS.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 11:27 AM
To: WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: [WEB4LIB] EZProxy Scenario

I could use some sage advice on how to respond to the following scenario:

A small community college purchases EZProxy to enable users to access databases outside of the library.  Once paid for and available for use, management decides that the EZProxy server url will be added to database links on a single webpage called "Offsite database access".  Any other references to databases on the library webpages will not have the EZProxy server url because management does not want to overload the EZProxy server by having every link go through EZProxy.

After a year, the college web technician tells management that he can bypass EZProxy all together and the library can discontinue its use.  He will provide authentication through the college intranet.  Students will need to sign in to the college "portal" (or intranet) then access the library website.  The technician explains that the sign in will cause the students IP address to show up as the college thereby allowing access to the databases.

I'm in a precarious position and need some advice on the above scenarios.  I'm hoping that you have run into a situations like these and can advise me on either arguments for or against these situations.

Thanks,


Trista Nelson, Library Clerk
Glen Oaks Community College
62249 Shimmel Rd.
Centreville, MI 49032
(269) 294-4293
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